The Sims 2: Pets

What happens when The Sims rains cats and dogs? We find out...

Thursday 27 July 2006 If sweeping away clumps of dog hair or mopping up cat pee puts you off ever owning a pet, then The Sims 2: Pets might help. Of course, it's also perfect for Sims fans who want pet action in their daily digital lives - though sadly you can't relocate existing families to this new game. But pet life without the mess isn't to be sniffed at.

Sims 2: Pets gives you more animal options than an RSPCA warehouse. Do you want mixed breed or pure breed? Long coat, curly coat? Would you like your cat short-tailed and long-eared? All these options and more are available, plus clothes - like hats, sunglasses and hoodies - to further personalise your furry friend.

Once you've designed your pet it's time to tweak their brains. Each pet has traits, from personal hygiene to the animal's natural level of aggression and obedience, and these traits ultimately affect your pet's needs and behaviour. For instance, 'pig pen' pets are the messiest of all, but they do eat garbage, which is perfect for any student-type Sims.

It's important to know your pet's needs, as a cat without a scratching post, for example, will quickly tear your carefully picked sofas to rags. Unfortunately, each Sims family can only have six members, including pets, which is disappointing - we wanted to create our own mad old cat lady surrounded by dozens of the things. But, even with just a few pets, you'll have plenty to do.